Malik Mustapha wound up having quite a memorable Monday Night Football game against the Washington Commanders. Early in the game, the 49ers defensive back made a controversial hit on Stefon Diggs that could have been called a penalty for an illegal hit on the head and neck.
But Mustapha wound up making a much more meaningful hit later in the game, which ended up saving the game for San Francisco.
With two minutes to go, the Commanders had fourth down near the red zone down just 23-17. Jayden Daniels launched a pass to Treylon Burks, who was mere inches away from the end zone. But Mustapha made the crucial intervention to prevent Burks from getting the ball over the line.
The Commanders looked dead and buried as they were down by 17 points at halftime. They were also without top receiver Terry McLaurin, who was carted off due to a knee injury. But the Commanders deserve credit for fighting back in the second half and very nearly forcing overtime.
With McLaurin out, Chig Okonkwo and Burks both stepped up as they combined for 11 catches for 135 yards. It remains to be seen whether McLaurin will be out for an extended period of time. If he does, Jayden Daniels will need all the help he can get in the passing game.
As for the 49ers, they survived a late scare to improve to a perfect 6-0. However, they have their own wide receiver injury concern to worry about after Mike Evans suffered an apparent Achilles injury.